Premium links:

Are You Using a Tablet Yet?

Microsoft's launch of the Surface this week provides yet more evidence that the world is moving to tablets. More and more of us are walking around with iPads and other tablets. We're checking email, playing games and using them to read books and magazines. We're definitely seeing it. Window & Door's Digital Edition is now averaging 3,000 unique visits and more than 90,000 page views per issue, mostly through iPads.

I thought it would be interesting to check in and see how rapidly our industry's adapting to tablets. With this week's survey, we'll follow up on one we did a little over a year ago. And, of course, I'd like to hear from you. How is your company using iPads? Selling windows? On the production floor? Are you getting rid of your PCs? Post a comment and let us know.

Survey Results as of 06/26/2012 :

Do you use an iPad or some other tablet computer for work?

No, and I'm not sure when/if I will.

51%

Yes

36%

No, but I expect to by the end of 2012

7%

No, but I expect to within 2-3 months

6%

It appears much of the hype about iPads and tablets is real. Our poll suggests they are making impressive gains in the window and door industry. More than a third of respondents report having an iPad or some other tablet for work. That's a big jump from the same poll last March, when only 10 percent of respondents said they did. Add those respondents expecting to use one in the near future and you get to nearly half the industry.

One factor driving that will certainly be new tools that take advantage of tablet technology. We know also that more manufacturers are offering–or working to develop–new tools like the iPad app recently introduced by Tru Tech Doors. Many manufacturers and dealers foresee tablets as the future for in-home window and door sales presentations, not to mention the showroom.

But tablets will be more than selling tools. This week, we report on Fenetech's latest user conference, where it is rolling out the newest version of its window industry software with tablet-specific apps. The supplier sees tablets and mobile devices increasingly being used by plant personnel and delivery people, as well as top executives.

Share this article:

Comments

WindowandDoor.com reserves the right to delete any comments. Read our Comment Guidelines for more information. Report comments you find offensive or believe violate our Content Guidelines.

Post new comment

Your name:

E-mail:

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.